Sheet separator device



Jan. 16, 1962 Filed Sept. 9, 1958 L. J. STUCKENS SHEET SEPARATOR DEVICE3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR L J. STUCKENS TTY.

Jan. 16, 1962 J. STUCKENS 3,017,179

SHEET SEPARATOR DEVICE Filed Sept. 9. 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTQR LEOJ. STUcKENS ATTY.

Jan. 16, 1962 J. STUCKENS SHEET SEPARATORDEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 FiledSept. 9. 1958 INVENTOR LEO J. STUCKENS M ATTY.

United rates This invention relates to a device for separatingsuperimposed sheets from each other as the sheets are advancing, andmore particularly, to a novel separator device which is actuated solelybythe thrust of one of the sheets to be separated.

In sheet handling apparatuses such as photocopy maohines, reproducingequipment, printing presses, processing machinery and the like, it isfrequently necessary to separate one or more sheets from a group ofsuperimposed sheets while the group is moving in a direction parallel tothe planes of the sheets. For example, in a photocopy device it would beextremely advantageous to provide an automatic means for separating thedocument sheet from the negative sheet after the exposure step, or forseparating the positive sheet from the document and negative sheetsbefore the exposure step.

In the sheet handling apparatuses heretofore known in the prior art,separation of superimposed sheets is usually obtained by pneumatic orsuction devices which may be actuated to cause one of the sheets toadhere thereto and thereby eifect the desired separation. Anotherexpedient heretofore employed in the prior art has been the use of amovable deflector element which is moved to alternate positions by a cammechanism or by electrical solenoids. These prior art separator deviceshave proven to be complicated, expensive and unreliable in operation.

As opposed to the expensive and complicated sheet separator arrangementsheretofore employed, the sheet separator device in accordance with thepresent invention is relatively simple and inexpensive as to itsconstruction. Furthermore, its mode of operation is extremely reliablein that the present device is actuated solely by the thrust of one ofthe sheets to be separated. This simple positive mode of operationeliminates the possibility of any failure or maladjustment of anauxiliary actuating mechanism or pneumatic means which has heretoforebeen necessary in devices which utilized a movable deflector element ora suction arrangement.

This application is a continuation in part of my prior co-pendingapplications Serial No. 705,520 filed December 27, 1957, and Serial No.741,372 filed June 11, 1958. These prior applications disclose two formsof sheet separator device in accordance with the present invention anddisclose the manner in which the invention may be utilized in aphotocopy machine of the compact desktype variety. The presentapplication discloses additional modifications or forms of sheetseparator devices in accordance with the general principle and mode ofoperation disclosed in said prior applications.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 1--1 ofFIG. 6 and shows one form of the invention wherein the kicker orseparator member is pivotally mounted, and shows a pair of superimposedsheets advancing toward the kicker member with the leading edge of oneof the sheets making initial contact with the latter;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but shows a successive stage whereinthe leading edge of the sheet has moved into a recess formed in thekicker member;

FIG. 3 shows the same embodiment in a latter stage wherein the kickermember has been pivoted upwardly in response to the thrust exerted bythe leading edge of the leading sheet;

atent ice FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIGS. 1 to 3 and shows the mannerin which the two sheets are separated when the kicker member is in itsuppermost position;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 and shows the sheets being separatedas they travel around the kicker member;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to5 and shows one of the many possible arrangements for mounting thekicker member;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view, partly in section, showing anotherembodiment of the invention wherein the kicker member is pivotallymounted;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view, showing still another embodiment having apivotal mounting for the kicker member;

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment wherein the kicker member is movably mountedby means of a resiliently yieldable element;

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the invention having a resilientlyyieldable element for movably mounting the kicker member;

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment wherein the kicker member is pivotallymounted, and having spring means for biasing the kicker member insteadof the gravity biasing arrangement shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to8 inclusive;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing another embodiment wherein thekicker member is slidably mounted for reciprocal movement;

FIG. 13 shows the embodiment of FIG. 12 with the kicker member in itsactuated position;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 1414 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view showing still another embodimentwherein the kicker member is pivotally mounted; and

FIG. 16 is an end elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15.

Referring first to FIGS. 1 to 6 inclusive, the reference numeral 21indicates generally a support bracket or frame comprising a horizontalelement 22 having at its opposite ends integral upstanding flangeportions 23, 24. A pair of rollers 25, 26 have their opposite endsrotatably mounted in support flanges 23, 24. Extending between thelatter and fixedly secured thereto at its opposite ends is a fixed shaft27.

The movable kicker member or separator element is designated generallyby the reference numeral 28 and is provided with a bearing sleeve 29receiving shaft 27 whereby kicker 28 is freely rotatably mounted forpivotal movement about the axis of shaft 27. It will be seen from theshape of kicker 28 and the relative location of bearing sleeve 29 thatthe center of gravity of kicker 28 is located to the right of shaft 27as viewed in FIGS. 1 to 5 inclusive. This causes kicker 28 to benormally biased by gravity in a clockwise direction as viewed in thesefigures.

A stop member 30, or other suitable means, may be employed to limit thepivotal'movemen-t of kicker member 28 to the initial position shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 6, stop member St is secured to a collar31 rotatably mounted on shaft 27 and ecured in any adjusted position onthe latter by means of a set screw 32 which may be tightened to engageshaft 27. The position of stop member 3% and therefore the initial restposition of kicker member 28 may be selectively adjusted by looseningscrew 32, rotating collar 31 to any desired position of angularorientation, and then retightening screw 32. Stop member 30 is adaptedto abut against the upper surface of the tail portion 33 of kicker 28. V

The outer end of kicker 28 comprises an arcuate surface or edge 34intersecting with another surface or edge 35 angularly inclined withrespect thereto to form a recess or notch 36 therebetween. The outer endof edge 34 intersects with the lower edge 37 to form a lip 36. The loweredge 37 extends downwardly and rearwardly to a convex edge 39.

The group of superimposed sheets to be separated pass between rollers25, 26 and advance toward kicker 28. Although for purposes of simplicityand clarity in illustration the drawings disclose only a pair ofsuperimposed sheets, it will be understood that the group may includemany more than two sheets and, in this event, the invention is operativeand effective to separate one or any desired number of sheets from theother sheets in the group.

In order to assure proper operation of the device, the sheets must be sooriented with respect to each other that the leading edge of one of thesheets is in advance of the other sheet or sheets to be separatedtherefrom by a small lead of approximately one-quarter of an inch. InFIGS. 1 to 6 the leading sheet is the uppermost one and is designated bythe reference letter L, and the lowermost trailing sheet is designatedby the reference letter T.

As the sheets L, T pass between rollers 25, 26 toward kicker member 28,the leading edge of the leading sheet L eventually contacts theright-hand end of kicker member 28. The latter is so positioned withrespect to rollers 25, 26 and the direction of feed of sheets L, T thatthe leading edge of sheet L will frequently enter directly into recess36. If the leading edge of sheet L droops slightly so as to first makecontact with the arcuate edge 34, or is slightly higher than normal soas to first strike edge 35, these edges 34, 35 will guide the leadingedge of sheet L toward and finally into the recess 36. Due to the leadof sheet L with respect to sheet T, the latter does not make contactwith kicker member 28 until after the following operation has occurred.

That is, continued movement of sheet L will cause its leading edge toexert a thrust upon kicker member 28. The line of this thrust extends tothe left as viewed in FIGS. 1 to in a direction extending above shaft 27so as to exert a torque on kicker 28, thereby causing the latter torotate upwardly in a counterclockwise direction about shaft 27.

As kicker 28 rotates upwardly in response to the thrust exerted by sheetL, the arcuate contour of edge 34 engages the lower surface of sheet Lto cause its leading edge to be raised outwardly of recess 36. Theleading edge of sheet L then rides upwardly along edge 35 as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. Kicker 28 will have been rotated to its upward positionbefore the leading edge of trailing sheet T advances suficiently tocontact kicker 28. The leading edge of sheet T then contacts kicker 28along the edge 37 thereof as shown in FIG. 4, and the leading edge ofsheet T then slides downwardly along edge 37 and then along the convexedge 39 until a condition is reached, as shown in FIG. 5, wherein thetwo sheets are advancing around kicker 28 which serves to separate themand compel their movement in different directions.

The upper portion 35a of edge 35 of kicker 28 remains in contact withsheet L and the latter thus holds kicker 28 in its uppermost positionuntil the trailing edge of sheet L has passed the upper extremity ofedge 35, whereupon kicker 28 is then free to pivot in a clockwisedirection down to its original normal position determined by theabutment of tail portion 33 against stop member 30.

Referring noW to FIG. 7, there is shown another embodiment of theinvention comprising a kicker 128 freely rotatably mounted on ahorizontal shaft 127 located to the left of the center of gravity ofkicker 128 so as to cause the latter to be normally biased by gravity ina clockwise direction as viewed in the drawing. Except for its shape,kicker 128 is substantially similar to kicker 28 described above inconnection with FIGS. 1 to 6 inclusive.

Instead of rollers as disclosed above, the sheets L, T may pass betweena continuous belt 125 and a large rotatable cylinder or roller 1126.Belt is entrained around and in contact with a segment of the exteriorsurface of cylinder 126 and is also entrained around roller 12511. asWell as other rollers (not shown).

As sheets L, T advance to the left from between belt 125 and cylinder126 toward kicker 128, they may beguided by a pair of guide elementsindicated generally by the reference numerals 140, 141 and eachcomprising; an inclined forward section 142, 143, a horizontal section144, 145, and an inclined rear section 146, 147.

Kicker 128 comprises a flat planar front edge or sur-- face 129, and itslower, rear and upper edges 130, 131,. 132 respectively are alsodisclosed as fiat and rectilinear.- The initial or lowermost position ofkicker 128 is shown in solid lines in FIG. 7, and its actuated or upperposi-- tion is shown by the dash-dot lines. Kicker 128 is prevented frombeing moved by gravity in a clockwise direction beyond its initialposition by abutment of corner 148 with the inclined section 146 of theupper guide member 140, or by abutment of the lower corner 149 with theinclined section 147 of lower guide member 141. The uppermost oractuated position of kicker 128 is determined by the abutment of the topedge 132 with a stop member 130.

As described above in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6,the leading edge of sheet L must be provided with a lead with respect tothe leading edge of trailing sheet T. As the sheets L, T pass betweenguide member 14%, 141 toward kicker 128, the leading edge of sheet Lwill eventually strike the front edge 129 of kicker 128. The thrustexerted on kicker 128 by sheet L will be in direction having a line ofaction above shaft 127, whereby the thrust exerted by sheet L will causekicker 128 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction toward the positionshown in dash-dot lines. Sheet L then continues to ride upwardly alongthe front edge 129 as shown by dash-dot lines at L'.

By the time that the leading edge of trailing sheet T strikes kicker128, the latter has already been pivoted to its uppermost position bysheet L, so that the leading edge of sheet T will strike the lower edge130 of kicker 128 and will ride along the latter as shown by thedash-dot lines at T. It will thus be seen that the sheets L, T areseparated by kicker 128 so as to move in different directions atapproximately 90 degrees with respect to each other. Kicker 128 ismaintained in its uppermost position by sheet L until the trailing edgeof the latter passes above and out of engagement with the upper corner148, after which gravity urges kicker 123 in a clockwise direction backto its initial position shown in solid lines.

Referring now to FIG. 8, kicker 228 is a modified version of kicker 128described above with respect to FIG. 7. The front face of kicker 228 isprovided with an arcuate portion 229 intersecting with the lowerrectilinear portion 22% so as to form a notch or recess 22%therebetween. Kicker 228 is otherwise shaped similarly to kicker 128 andis freely pivotally mounted on shaft 227.

The lower guide member 241 may be identical to guide member 141previously described in connection with FIG. 7. The upper guide member249 is similar to the previously described guide member 145) except thatthe inclined rear section 2% thereof is provided with a narrow slot 247extending rearwardly and upwardly from the point designated by thereference numeral 243 to the extreme upper end of section 246. The upperforward corner portion 24% of kicker 228 rides within slot 247 whichprovides clearance for corner 249 when kicker 223 is in its initiallowermost position shown in solid lines. This initial position isdetermined by the abutment of the forward lower corner 225a of kicker228 against downwardly inclined section 2.47 of guide member 241. Kicker228 tends to rotate to this position because the center of gravity ofkicker 228 is to the right of shaft 227 when kicker 223 is mounted asshown in FIG. 8.

When kicker 228 is moved by the thrust of the leading sheet L to itsuppermost position shown in dash-dot lines as designated by thereference numeral 228, the lower surface of sheet L bears against thearcuate edge 229 to maintain kicker 228 in its uppermost position untilthe trailing edge of sheet L has passed out of contact with edge 229.When this occurs, gravity biases kicker 228 in a clockwise direction, asviewed in FIG. 8, back toward its initial position.

The slotted portion of section 246 of upper guide member 240 serves as abacking support for leading sheet L and reinforces the latter as sheet Lbears against arcuate edge 229 to maintain kicker 228 in its actuatedupper position. That is, section 246 prevents sheet L from being pushedaway by kicker 223 as the latter tends to be pivoted by gravity in aclockwise direction, so that kicker 228 may not pivot downwardly untilthe trailing edge of sheet L has passed out of contact with arcuate edge229.

Referring now to PEG. 9, kicker 328 is mounted on a resilientlyyieldable member 330 comprising an upwardly extending flange 332a-tfixed to a support element 331, a forwardly extending portion 333perpendicular to flange 332, and a downwardly extending flange 334.Member 330 is made of a resilient material such as spring steel.Attached to flange 334 is the rear surface of a lower straight portion329 of kicker 328. Integral with said portion 329 is an arcuate upperportion 335 which curves convexly in an upward direction. A notch orrecess 336 may be formed at the intersection of kicker portions 329,335.

' Member 339 and kicker 328 are normally in the position shown by solidlines in FIG. 9. As the group of superimposed sheets advances to beseparated, initially, the leading edge of sheet L strikes kicker 328. Ifsheet L should strike kicker 328 above notch 336, the curvature ofportion 335 initially tends to guide it down into notch 336. Similarly,if the leading edge of sheet L should strike portion 329, it is guidedupwardly into notch 336.

The continuing advance of the superimposed sheets causes the leadingedge of sheet L to exert a thrust against kicker 32%, thereby causingyieldable element 330 to bend upwardly to the position shown by thedash-dot lines in FIG. 11. The leading edge of sheet L then rides upalong the convexly curved surface of portion 335. At the same time,trailing sheet T, advancing toward kicker 323 with its leading edgeslightly behind that of sheet L, passes below the lower edge 329a ofportion 329 and slides along the bottom surface of portion 333 of member330. Trailing sheet T is able to clear edge 329a by virtue of kicker 323having been moved to the upper position shown by the dash-dot lines dueto the thrust exerted by sheet L.

Resiliently yieldable member 338' mounting kicker 328 is held in theposition shown by the dash-dot lines for so long as the lower surface ofleading sheet L remains in contact with portion 335 of kicker 328. Whensheet L passes out of contact with portion 335, yieldable member 330 isfree to resume its normal straight position and kicker 32% returns toits normal position shown by the solid lines in FIG. ll. By this time,sheet L has gone along an upward path indicated at L, while sheet T hasproceeded along a lower path indicated at T, thus effectively separatingthe two sheets.

PEG. 10 shows another embodiment of the invention also utilizing aresiliently yieldable member for movably mounting the kicker.Resiliently yieldable member 43% is secured at one end to a support 4-31by conventional means such as rivet 431a. Attached by rivet 431]; to theupper surface of yieldable member 43% at its other end is a horizontalportion 429 of kicker 428. Integral with portion 429 is averticallyextending portion 427. Attached to the outer surface of portion 427 is avertical portion 426. Integral with the latter and extending angularlydownwardly therefrom is an inclined portion 425 forming a recess .24 atits junction with portion 426.

As the superimposed sheets L and T advance toward kicker azs the forwardedge of leading sheet L will strike the outer surface of either portion426 or portion 425. If it should strike portion 426, the effect is topush against portion 426 in such a manner as to cause resilientlyyieldable member 43%) to bend upwardly. If the forward edge of sheet Lshould strike portion 425 it is thereby guided upwardly into recess 424where it will again exert a force causing resiliently yieldable member436 to bend upwardly. The effect of the bending of yieldable member 436is to cause kicker 428, which is attached to member 436*, to be moved tothe upper position shown by the dash-dot lines in FIG. 10. As itcontinues to advance, sheet L follows a path shown by the dash-dot linesat L. At the same time, sheet T clears the lowermost edge 425a ofportion 425 and, passing under kicker 428, follows a path indicated bythe dash-dot lines at T.

Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a kicker 528 rotatably mounted on ashaft 527 and having a convex surface or edge 529 located below the fiatsurface or edge 530. Also mounted on shaft 527 is a collar 526 rigidlyfastened thereto by set screw 526a. Extending downwardly from collar 526and fixed thereto is an arm 525 to which is secured a pin 525a.extending therethrough and having opposite ends projecting laterallyoutwardly from the respective opposite surfaces of arm 525. The innerend of pin 525a is in the path of counterclockwise rotation of kicker528 and serves as a limit thereto. The outer end of pin 525a engages oneend of a coil spring 524. The other end of spring 524 is attached to apin 523 secured to the lower rear portion of kicker 528. Since thecenter of gravity of kicker 528, as pictured in FIG. 11, is to the leftof the axis of shaft 527, kicker 528 tends to rotate in acounterclockwise direction. Kicker 523 is restrained from so rotating byspring 524 which normally maintains it in the initial position shown bythe solid lines. This position can be selectably varied by loosening setscrew 526a and rotating collar 52%? to a desired angular orientation onshaft 527. Such a rotation will produce the same angular displacementfor kicker 523 as for collar 527.

The superimposed sheets L, T are advanced to the right, as viewed inFIG. 11, toward kicker 528 through guides 540, 541. The forward edge ofsheet L strikes the surfaces 529 or 530 of kicker 528 whereupon sheet Lacts in a manner similar to that described above with respect to theembodiment shown in FIG. 1. That is, if sheet L initially strikes uppersurface 530, it is guided downward into notch 530a. If it strikes thelower convex surface first, it is guided upward into notch 53%. As sheetL is projected forward against kicker 528 the sheet pivots kicker 528 onshaft 527 in a counterclockwise direction. Kicker 528 rotates in acounterclockwise direction due to the fact that, as mounted in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the line of action of the thrustexerted by sheet L is below the axis of shaft 527. The limit of thisrotation is determined by the position of pin 525a of arm 525, againstthe inner end of which the lower edge 531 of kicker 528 will eventuallyabut if it continues to rotate. This position can also be selectablyvaried by adjusting collar 526.

As kicker 528 rotates counterclockwise, leading sheet L slides alongconvexly curved surface 529, following the path indicated by thedash-dot lines at L. At the same time, trailing sheet T advances into aposition where it will clear the forwardmost edge 530 h of surface 530and contact upper surface 522 of kicker 528. Trailing sheet T will thenride along upper surface 522 as indicated by the dash-dot lines at T.Kicker 528 is held in the position shown by the dash-dot lines for solong as the sheet L remains in contact with edge 529. When sheet L is nolonger in contact with edge 529, spring 524, which has been placed undertension by the counterclockwise rotation of kicker 528, will bias kicker528 back to its normal position shown by the solid lines.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 illustrate a separating device mtilizing a kicker628 slidably mounted for reciprocal movement. Projecting angularlyupward from a mount- ;ing base 635 is a hollow tube 634- withlongitudinal slots 633, 633a formed in the wall thereof. Slidablymounted :in tube 634 is a portion 629 of kicker 626. Kicker pcrtion 629has a longitudinal slot 636 extending from the upper end thereof to apoint approximately half-Way down its length. As seen in FIG. 14,extending through the bottom of portion 629 and fixed therein is a pin627, the opposite ends of which extend through slots 633, 633a of tube634-. Extending through slot 636 is a pm 626 which is fixedly secured totube 624. To pin 626 is attached the respective upper ends of springs625 and 624. The lower ends of springs 625 and 624 are attached to pin627. Pin 627 is free to move in slots 633, 633a of tube 634, and portion629 is free to slide with respect to fixed pin 626 and tube 636.

As seen in FIG. 12, the head portion 623 of kicker 628 has a sheetcontacting surface composed of two surfaces or edges 622 and 621.Surface 622 is convex and "is angularly inclined to surface 621 to forma recess 620 :at the intersection thereof. Sheets L and T are advanceddownwardly between guides 64% and 641. so that the forward edge of sheetL will strike kicker 623 at a point Within or near recess 620 and willbe guided into the latter in the manner described above with respect toseveral of the other embodiments. The pushing force eX- erted byadvancing sheet L on kicker 628 causes the latter to slide downwardlywithin tube 634. As a result, springs 625 and 624 are tensioned inextended positions shown in FIG. 13.

As a result of the downward sliding movement of kicker 628, whentrailing sheet T advances to contact kicker 628 the sheet clears theuppermost point 619 of kicker head 623 and is guided by edge 618 in apath extending downwardly and to the right as viewed in the drawings.Eventually, trailing sheet T contacts guide .member 643 and follows thepath dictated thereby. Meanwhile, the leading sheet L has been guided bysurface 622, now retracted to the position shown in FIG. 13, so that iteventually contacts guide member 642 and follows a path governed by thelatter. Kicker 628 is held in the retracted position shown in FIG. 13for so long as the sheets remain in contact therewith. Thereafter kickermember 628 is returned to the upper position zhclwn in FIG. 12' by theforce exerted by springs 625 and FEGS. 15 and 16 disclose anotherembodiment wherein the kicker 728 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 727.Kicker 728 is of a configuration similar to those kickers disclosed inFIGS. 8 and 11. In the mounting arrangement shown in FIG. 15, however,the convex surface 726 is below notch 725 and the flat surface 724 isabove notch 725. Near the forwari end of kicker 728 is a large roundopening 723. The center of gravity of kicker 728 is to the left of theaxis of shaft 727 so that kicker 728 normally tends to pivot on shaft727 in a counterclockwise direction.

Kicker 728 is restrained in its counterclockwise rtation by a pin 729which extends through opening 723 and abuts against the bottom edgethereof. As seen in FIG. 16, pin 729 is secured to an arm 722 which inturn is mounted on a collar 721 adjustably secured to shaft 727 by setscrew 720. As the three superimposed sheets advance toward kicker 728the leading edge of middle sheet M, the most advanced of the three, isguided into notch 725 of kicker 728 by surfaces 724, 726. As itcontinues to advance, middle sheet M exerts a thrust against kicker 728,causing it to pivot on shaft 727 in a clockwise direction until it isstopped by a pin 730, which extends through opening 723 and abutsagainst the upper edge of opening 723 as kicker 728 rotates in aclockwise direction. As seen in FIG. 16 pin 736 is secured to an arm 731attached to a collar 732 adjustably secured to shaft 727 by set screw733. By loosening set screw 726 on collar 721 and set screw 733 oncollar 732, and rotating the collars to other angular positions on shaft727, the relative positions of pins 729 and 73fl can be changed so as tovary the degree and the limits of rotation 'of kicker 72f Mounted onshaft 727 is another collar 715, secured thereto by serscrew 716 so asto limit the lateral movement of kicker 728 on shaft 727.

Kicker 728 is stopped in its clockwise pivotal moveinent at the positionshown by the dash-pot lines in FIG. 15. In this position the uppertrailing sheet T clears the uppermost portion of surface 724 and followsa path along the top side 720 of kicker 728. Middle sheet M and lowersheet B, of course, have been kicked downward by the clockwise rotationof kicker 728 so that they follow a path along surface 726. After thesheets have passed beyond kicker 728, the latter is urged by gravityback toward its initial rest position determined by the abutment of pin729 with the lower edge of opening 723.

It is to be understood that the specific embodiments of the inventionshown in the drawings and described above are merely illustrative ofseveral of the many forms which the invention may take in practice andare not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention asdefined in the appended claims which are to be interpreted as broadly aspossible in view of the prior art.

I claim: 7

l. A device for separating superimposed sheets, the leading edge of afirst of said sheets projecting forwardly of the leading edge of asecond of said sheets said device comprising a member, means mountingsaid member for free movement to either one of two alternate positions,means on said member responsive to engagement by the leading edge of.the first of said sheets to move said memher from a first of saidpositions to the second position thereof, means on said member forguiding said one sheet in a first direction, and means on said memberresponsive to movement of the latter to said second position to guideanother of said sheets in a second direction difierent from said firstdirection so as to separate said sheets.

2. A device for separating superimposed sheets, the leading edge of afirst of said sheets projecting forwardly of the leading edge of asecond of said sheets said device comprising a member, means pivotallymounting said member for free oscillatory movement between two alternateangular positions, means on said member responsive to engagement by theleading edge of the first of said sheets to pivot said member from afirst of said positions to the second position thereof, means on saidmember for guiding said one sheet in a first direction, and means onsaid member responsive to movement of the latter to its second positionto guide another of said sheets in a second direction different fromsaid first direction so as to sep" arate said sheets.

3. A device for separating superimposed sheets, said device comprising akicker member, means slidably mounting said kicker member for freereciprocal movement between two alternate positions, means on saidkicker member responsive to engagement by the leading edge of one ofsaid sheets to move said kicker member from a first of said positions tothe second position thereof, means on said kicker member for guidingsaid one sheet in a first direction, and means on said kicker memberresponsive to movement of the latter to its second position to guideanother of said sheets in a second direction different from said firstdirection so as to separate said sheets.

4. A device for separating superimposed sheets, the leading edge of afirst of said sheets projecting forwardly of the leading edge of asecond of said sheets said device comprising a kicker member, meansmounting said kicker member for free movement to either one of twoalternate positions, said means comprising a fixed element and a'yieldable element secured to said fixed element, said kicker memberbeing fixed to said yieldable element, means on said kicker memberresponsive to engagement by the leading edge of the first of said sheetsto move said kicker member from a first of said positions to the secondposition thereof, means on said kicker member for guiding said one sheetin a first direction, means on said kicker member responsive to movementof the latter to its second position to guide another of said sheets ina second direction different from said first direction so as to separatesaid sheets.

5. A device for separating superimposed sheets, the leading edge of afirst of said sheets projecting forwardly of the leading edge of asecond of said sheets said device comprising a kicker member, meansmounting said kicker member for movement to either one of two alternatepositrons and arranged so that said kicker member is gravitybiased byits own weight toward a first of said positions, means on said kickermember responsive to engagement by the leading edge of the first of saidsheets to move said kicker member from said first position to the secondposition thereof, means on said kicker member for guiding said one sheetin a first direction, and means on said kicker member responsive tomovement of the latter to its second position to guide another of saidsheets in a second direction different from said first direction so asto separate said sheets.

6. A device for separating sheets, said device comprising a kickermember, means mounting said kicker member for movement to either one oftwo alternate positions, spring means urging said kicker member toward afirst of said positions, means on said kicker member responsive toengagement by one of said sheets to move said kicker member from saidfirst position to the second position thereof, means on said kickermember for guiding said one sheet in a first direction, and means onsaid kicker member responsive to movement of the latter to its secondposition to guide another of said sheets in a second direction differentfrom said first direction so as to separate said sheets.

7. A device for separating superimposed sheets, said device comprising akicker member, means mounting said kicker member for movement betweentwo alternate positions, said kicker member having means constituting anintegral portion thereof positioned to engage the leading edge of afirst of said sheets during advancing movement of the latter and whilethe kicker member is in a first of said positions and for receiving thethrust of said first sheet to cause the kicker member to move from saidfirst position to said second position thereof in response to saidthrust of said first sheet, means on said kicker member for guiding saidfirst sheet in a first direction, and means on said kicker memberresponsive to movement of said kicker member to said second position toguide the second sheet in a second direction so as to separate saidsheets from each other.

8. A device for separating sheets from each other during movementthereof, said device comprising a kicker member, means mounting saidkicker member for movement between two alternate positions, meansnormally biasing said kicker member toward a first of said positions,said kicker member having recess means for engageably receiving theleading edge of a first of said sheets during advancing movement of thelatter and while the kicker member is in said first position to causethe kicker member to move vfrom saidfirst position to said secondposition thereof in response to the thrust of said first sheet, means onsaid kicker member for guiding said leading edge of said first sheetinto said recess means, means on said kicker member for guiding saidfirst sheet in a first direction, means on said kicker member responsiveto movement of said kicker member to said second position to guide thesecond sheet in a second direction so as to separate said sheets fromeach other, and means on said kicker member engageable with said firstsheet for maintaining said kicker member in said second position untilthe trailing edge of said first sheet has passed. out of engagement withsaid last-recited means.

9. A device for separating superimposed sheets from each other duringadvancing movement thereof, the leading edge of a first of said sheetsprojecting forwardly of the leading edge of a second of said sheets saiddevice compr sing a kicker member, means rotatably mounting said kickermember for oscillatory movement between two alternate angular positions,means normally maintaining said kicker member in a first of saidpositions, said kicker member having means for engaging the leading edgeof the first of said sheets during advancing movement of the latter andwhile the kicker member is in said first position to cause the kickermember to pivot from said first position to said second position thereofin response to the thrust exerted by said first sheet on said kickermember, a first guide means on said kicker member for guiding said firstsheet in a first direction, and a second guide means on said kickermember responsive to movement of said kicker member to said secondposition to guide the second sheet in a second direction so as toseparate said sheets from each other.

10. A device for separating superimposed sheets from each other duringadvancing movement thereof, the leading edge of a first of said sheetsprojecting forwardly of the leading edge of a second of said sheets saiddevice comprising a kicker member,- means rotatably mounting said kickermember for oscillatory movement between two alternate angular positionsand normally biasing said kicker member to the first of said positions,said kicker member having means for engaging the leading edge of a firstof said sheets during advancing movement of the latter and while thekicker member is in said first position to cause the kicker member topivot from said first position to said second position thereof inresponse to the thrust exerted by said first sheet on said kickermember, a first guide surface on said kicker member for guiding saidfirst sheet in a first direction, a second guide surface on said kickermember responsive to movement of. said kicker member to said secondposition to guide the second sheet in a second direction so as toseparate said sheets from each other, and means on said kicker memberengageable with one of said sheets for maintaining said kicker member insaid second position until the trailing edge of said one sheet haspassed out of engagement with said last-recited means.

11. A device for separating superimposed moving sheets, said devicecomprising a kicker member, means mounting said kicker member formovement to either one of two alternate positions, means on said kickermember for engaging one of said sheets to cause said kicker member tomove from a first of said positions to the second position thereof inresponse to the thrust exerted by said one sheet, a first guide surfaceon said kicker member for guiding said one sheet in a first direction,and a second guide surface On said kicker member responsive to movementof the latter to its second position to guide the sec ond sheet in asecond direction different from said first direction so as to separatesaid two sheets, and means normally biasing said kicker member towardsaid first position thereof.

12. A device for separating sheets, said device comprising means forsimultaneously advancing a plurality of sheets in superimposed relationwith the leading edge of a first of said sheets projecting forwardly ofthe leading edge of a second of said sheets, a kicker member, meansmounting said kicker member for movement between two alternatepositions, said kicker member having surface means thereon for engagingsaid leading edge of said first sheet during advancing movement of thelatter and while the kicker member is in a first of said positions tocause the kicker member to move from said first position to the secondposition thereof in response to the thrust of said first sheet, a firstguide means on said kicker member for guiding said first sheet in afirst direction, and a second guide means on said kicker memberresponsive to movement of said kicker member to said second position toguide the second sheet in a second direction so as to separate saidsheets from each other.

13. A device for separating sheets, said device comprising means forsimultaneously advancing a plurality of sheets in superimposed relationwith the leading edge of a first of said sheets projecting forwardly ofthe. leading edge of a second of said sheets, a kicker member, meansmounting said kicker member for movement between two alternate positionsand normally biasing said kicker mem= ber toward a first of saidpositions, said kicker member having a recess for engageable receivingsaid leading'edge of said first sheet during advancing movement of thelatter while the kicker member is in said first position to cause thekicker member to move from said first position to the second positionthereof in response to the thrust of said first sheet, means on saidkicker member for guiding said leading edge of said first sheet intosaid recess, a first guide surface on said kicker member for guidingsaid first sheet around said kicker member in a first direction, and asecond guide surface on said kicker member responsive to movement ofsaid kicker member to said second position to guide the second sheetaround said kicker member in a second direction so as to separate saidsheets from each other.

14. A device for separating sheets, said device comprising means forsimultaneously advancing a plurality of sheets in superimposed relationwith the leading edge of a first of said sheets projecting forwardly ofthe leading edge of a second of said sheets, a kicker member, meanspivotally mounting said kicker member for oscillatory movement betweentwo alternate positions and normally biasing said kicker member toward afirst of said positions, said kicker member having a recess forengageably receiving said leading edge of said first sheet duringadvancing movement of the latter and while the kicker member is in saidfirst position to cause the kicker member to pivot from said firstposition to the second position thereof in response to the thrust ofsaid first sheet, means on said kicker member for guiding said leadingedge of said first sheet into said recess, a first guide surface on saidkicker member for guiding said first sheet around said kicker member ina first direction, and a second guide surface on said kicker memberresponsive to movement of said kicker member to said second position toguide the second sheet around said kicker member in a second directionso as to separate said sheets from each other.

15. A device for separating sheets, said device comprising means forsimultaneously advancing a plurality of sheets in superimposed relationwith the leading edge of a first of said sheets projecting forwardly ofthe lead ing edge of a second of said sheets, "a kicker member, meansslidably mounting said kicker member for reciprocal movement between twoalternate positions and normally biasing said kicker member toward afirst of said positions, said kicker member having a recess forengageably receiving said leading edge of said first sheet duringadvancing movement of the latter and while the kicker member is in saidfirst position to cause the kicker member to move from said firstposition to the second position thereof in response to the thrust ofsaid first sheet, means on said kicker member for guiding said leadingedge of said first sheet into said recess, a first guide surface on saidkicker member for guiding said first sheet around said kicker memberin afirst direction, and a second guide surface on said kicker memberresponsive to movement of said kicker member to said of a first of saidsheets projecting forwardly of the leading edge of a second of saidsheets, a kicker member, means freely mounting said kicker member formovement between two alternate positions and normally biasing saidkicker member toward a first of said positions, said kicker memberhaving a portion thereof positioned to engage said leading edge of saidfirst sheet during advancing movement of the sheets and while the kickermember is in said first position to cause the kicker memher to move fromsaid first position to the second position thereof in response to thethrust of said first sheet, a first guide surface on said kicker memberfor guiding said first sheet around said kicker member in a firstdirection, a second guide surface on said kicker member responsive tomovement of said kicker member to said second position to guide thesecond sheet around said kicker member in a second direction so as toseparate said sheets from each other, and means on said kicker memberengageable with one of said sheets for maintaining said kicker member insaid second position until the trailing edge of said one sheet haspassed out of engagement with said last-recited means.

17. A device for separating sheets, said device comprising means forsimultaneously advancing a plurality of sheets in superimposed relationwith the leading edge of a first of said sheets projecting forwardly ofthe leading edge of a second of said sheets, a kicker member, meansfreely rotatably mounting said kicker member for pivotal movementbetween two alternate positions and normally biasing said kicker membertoward a first of said positions, said kicker member having a portionthereof positioned to engage said leading edge of said first sheetduring advancing movement of the sheets and while the kicker member isin said first position to cause the kicker member to pivot from saidfirst position to the second position thereof in response to the thrustof said first sheet, a first guide surface on said kicker member forguiding said first sheet around said kicker member in a first direction,a second guide surface on said kicker member responsive to movement ofsaid kicker member to said second position to guide the second sheetaround said kicker member in a second direction so as to separate saidsheets from each other, and means on said kicker member engageable withone of said sheets for maintaining said kicker member in said secondposition until the trailing edge of said one sheet has passed out ofengagement with said last-recited means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,747,384 Olson et a1. Feb. 18, 1930 1,825,217 Tufts et a1. Sept. 29,1931 1,894,547 Tucker Jan. 17, 1933 1,946,143 Hitchcock Feb. 6, 19342,317,655 Van Den Brock Apr. 27, 1943 2,731,263 Baril et al. Jan. 17,1956

